Stands generally work as a first-come, first-served queue, so that the first taxicab to arrive on the stand (the one at the front of the line) serves the first passenger to arrive, and as the first taxicab leaves, each taxicab behind it moves ahead one spot, with the last taxicab to arrive taking the last spot.

Around the world

In some cities, such as London and New York, some older taxi stands are marked by special lamps with "TAXI" painted on the sides of them.